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REMEMBERING JESSE. Vice President Leni Robredo sepaks during the commemorative program for the 7th death anniversary of her late husband Jesse Robredo held at the Museo ni Jesse Robredo in Naga City on August 18, 2019. Photo by Charlie Villegas/OVP

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Vice President Leni Robredo thanked the Naga City officials for continuing – and even going beyond – the legacy of leadership left behind by her late husband and longtime mayor Jesse Robredo.

This was the Vice President’s message on Sunday, August 18, exactly 7 years since the Piper Seneca plane carrying Jesse plunged into the waters off Masbate. Jesse was then the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief under the Aquino administration.

In an ambush interview with reporters in Naga, Robredo first thanked Jesse’s supporters who continue to visit the city on his death anniversary. She then expressed gratitude towards the city officials who became like family to Jesse when he was still Naga's local chief executive. (READ: The 'ordinariness' of Jesse Robredo)

(Whenever I look at the people who came after him in the City Government of Naga, I am very happy because what my husband wanted was fulfilled: that the people surrounding him then will become even more excellent.)

(Because they have become even better than him, my husband’s legacy and his lessons on governance and leadership have become greater in scope. I continue to hope because the seeds have been planted to show how sincere and excellent governance should look like.)

Jesse Robredo was known for his "tsinelas leadership", which represented oneness with the people, when he served as Naga City mayor and even when he became DILG secretary of ex-president Benigno Aquino III. It was his death that led his wife Leni to join politics, first becoming Camarines Sur congresswoman then becoming Vice President in 2016.

(When Jesse was alive, he was the center of our lives. He returns the favor by showering us with love. When he's at home, I'm focused on him. He compensated by being supportive at what I do, by giving me peace of mind.)

(Even when he was alive, my assistance to him, the assignments he gave me, all of these seem to be a preparation. I think the reason I can withstand all these because I know my mission, to finish what he has left behind,. For me, it's a mission, not an ambition.)

Praises for Jesse

Opposition Senator Leila de Lima also hailed Jesse Robredo, whom she said did not resort to politicking nor violence to improve Naga.

(When Jesse started serving as mayor of Naga, he faced the difficult problems of poverty, widespread crime, heavy traffic, lack of govenrment funds, and lack of jobs and housing. He was able to solve these with help from other leaders and the citizens themselves.)

(He was able to achieve these without resorting to politicking, violence, nor stepping on the rights of the people.)

Last week, the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation launched an award that will recognize mayors who have embodied Jesse Robredo’s “matino, mahusay, at may puso (good, excellent, and sincere)” brand of leadership. – Rappler.com

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).